Mike Smith Named Ducks Unlimited Canada's Artist of the Year

OAK HAMMOCK MARSH, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - Jan. 28, 2015) - Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is proud to introduce, Mike Smith, as the 2015 National Art Portfolio Artist of the Year. Smith is just one from a talented lineup of artists who have chosen to provide their artwork to the prestigious program in an effort to raise essential funds for wetland conservation.

Of the hundreds of artists who submit their artwork in the hope of being chosen for DUC's National Art Portfolio (NAP), only one is selected as the Artist of the Year. This year, Mike Smith, hailing from Cobourg, Ontario, celebrates this honour with his painting, Quiet Anticipation.

Smith's painting - along with the additional pieces selected - will be made into high-quality, limited edition prints which will receive national exposure through DUC fundraising initiatives. The money raised through the NAP supports DUC's habitat conservation projects, research and education programs.

"The National Art Portfolio is a unique program that promotes outstanding artists who reflect the growing need to conserve Canada's wetlands through their work," said Scott Baker, national manager of retail programs for DUC. "We are very fortunate to have the support of some of the greatest artists from Canada and beyond. We are excited to celebrate Mike Smith's accomplishments as a NAP artist and 2015 Artist of the Year."

Smith, who moved to Canada in 1989 from Zimbabwe, has been involved with art for most of his life and enjoyed a successful career as an international award-winning art and creative director in Toronto. In 2003, Smith moved to the countryside to paint full-time and his art has since been widely collected and featured in art events ranging from The Artist Project to Ottawa Art Expo.

For more than 30 years, hundreds of artists have donated their artwork to help DUC conserve Canada's wetlands. Throughout 2015, art prints will be auctioned at fundraising events and Sealed Bid Auction (SBA) easels across the country. Prints are also available online through the Online SBA website. For a complete list of program and artist information, visit ducks.ca/nap.

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, other non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment.